Brazil forward Antony was dropped from the national team on Monday following allegations of abuse by a former girlfriend, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The Manchester United player is being investigated by the Sao Paulo Police and the Greater Manchester Police for domestic violence against his former partner Gabriela Cavallin, Brazilian news outlet UOL reported.
“Due to the facts that became public this Monday involving Manchester United winger Antony, and which need to be investigated, and to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian National Team and the CBF, the organization informs that the athlete is withdrawn from the Brazilian National Team,” the CBF said in a statement.
According to UOL, Cavallin alleges that, among other things, the 23-year-old Antony threatened to throw her out of a vehicle while driving at a high speed.
She also says he allegedly headbutted her, which left her with a cut on her head, and at a later date, punched her in the chest, causing damage to her breast implant, which required corrective surgery.
The last allegation in UOL’s report claims that Antony attempted to hit her in the face with a glass bowl, resulting in cuts on her fingers as she defended herself.
In a statement on social media, the Brazilian forward denied the allegations. He acknowledged that his relationship with Cavallin was “tumultuous” but insisted that the “accusations are false.”
“Out of respect for my fans, friends, and family, I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false accusations I have been a victim of,” Antony said in a post on his Instagram stories. “From the beginning, I have handled this issue thoughtfully and respectfully, providing the due clarifications to the police authority.
“The police inquest is under cover of justice; therefore, I cannot make its content public. However, I can confidently say that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced, and more to be produced, show that I am innocent of the allegations made.
“My relationship with Ms Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offences from both sides, but I never practised any physical aggression. She presents a different version of the accusations every time, whether in testimony or an interview.
“Thus, I come to deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the full disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify what is needed. I trust the ongoing police investigations will reveal the truth about my innocence.”
Manchester United said it had no comment when asked for a response. Greater Manchester Police and representation for Antony and Cavallin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Antony will miss Brazil’s World Cup qualifying games against Bolivia and Peru due to being dropped from the national team. Antony has made 16 appearances for the national team in his career, scoring two goals.
